22/05/2026
This is a very common question, and the shortest answer is… it depends.
In nutrition, things very rarely are inherently “good” or “bad”. What works best for you comes down to your health status, your needs, your preferences, and the bigger picture of your overall diet.
Let’s talk through it.
Dairy milk
If you tolerate dairy, it is a genuinely nutritious option, especially when it comes to calcium. The Australian RDI is 1,000 mg/day for most adults, and 1,300 mg/day for women over 50 (hello, menopause!) and men over 70. Dairy can make meeting those targets very achievable.
Of course, if you are lactose intolerant or you just don't prefer dairy, that is totally fine.
Plant‑based milks
If dairy is not your thing, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives available. Just be mindful of the natural differences between them.
- Rice and oat milks tend to be higher in carbohydrates. Their natural creaminess makes them close to dairy in terms of mouth feel.
- Soy milk is higher in protein, which can make a difference when it comes to satiety and overall meal balance.
- Many plant milks are lower in naturally occurring calcium, so choosing a calcium‑fortified variety is a smart move.
- Always check the ingredients list: you don't really need additives or extra sugar.
- Plant-based milks can also be helpful if you are aiming to reduce saturated fat intake.
So, again, it's not that one milk is better than another: it's more about what might be more suitable for you.
Also, an important point: if you are only using a small splash of milk each day (in your coffee, tea, or porridge) the difference is minimal. In that case, choose the one you genuinely enjoy.
If the milk aisle still feels like a maze, DM me for personalised guidance. 💚